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Community Corner

With Wives' Permission, Los Mandilones Serve

These men aren't wimps; they work to support local students' college dreams.

The word mandilón loose translates as to "coward" or "weakling." But most of the Spanish-speaking community knows a real mandilón is a man who does not make a move without the wife’s or girlfriend’s permission. In other words, she wears the pants in the relationship.

In Watsonville, there is a group of men who revel in that identity.

Friends formed Mandilón Inc. more than five years ago to support local students' college aspirations, other community needs and just to hang out. Now a nonprofit, the group has put on golf tournaments, bailes and barbecues in the time since—including a big BBQ chicken fundraiser Saturday at .

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Alfredo Torres, by day an insurance agent for , is one of the founding fathers of Mandilón Inc. The other two head honchos of the crew are Watsonville High’s Vice Principal Luis Medina and school counselor Miguel Orejel.

The name of the all-male group is all in jest, of course. Their mission is to support youth and the community. To do so, the men often partner with their better halves to put on events.

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Like on Saturday, when Mandilón Inc. and company sold $10 plates of rice, beans, macaroni and green salad, a fresh baked roll and a whole leg of juicy chicken with help from a local eatery.

 posted up on campus and permeated the neighborhood with the smoky aroma of delicious “Hector’s style” chicken. Jesus Madrigal, the co-owner of Hector’s Restaurant, was kind enough to lend Mandilón Inc. a large barbecue pit to use at the school. Madrigal also used the main pit from the headquarters to cook the chicken at a faster rate and at times he would send a driver to pick up more of the seasoned poultry delight.

The fundraiser was put on by the group in effort to help add money into a scholarship fund that was created back in 2006. Since then, more than 20 students have had the honor to be chosen by the non-profit group.

Last year, Mandilón Inc. helped three kids each from Watsonville High and Pajaro Valley high schools.

Students can earn as much as $2000 in scholarships and the money is distributed in increments of $500 for up to two years if the kids commit to stay in college. Torres makes sure the students are on their toes.

“We track them. They come back and provide us proof that they’re doing good in school, that they’re maintaining their GPA.” said Torres.

In order to be considered for a scholarship the students must first submit an essay and wait to be called in for an interview if picked. After the short screening process, it’s up to the group to try and make it possible for four teenagers from each school to receive the small grant.

For Ana España, her day came back in 2009 when she became one of the fortunate students to earn a scholarship from Mandilón Inc. Saturday was the first time España helped out the group that once assisted her.

“Well [I’m] just helping out because they helped me out when I started Cabrillo. I went to Cabrillo for two years and I didn’t ask before if I could help or something. Now I’m trying to help out.” said España.

The community outreach of Mandilón Inc. isn't limited to scholarships. A few years ago, the group helped five families that lost their homes to a fire.    

“They were left without anything. So again, everybody got together and clothes that you would usually just throw away or give away to the Goodwill, we just brought in together.” said Torres.

Of course, they got permission. But from the sounds of it, helping people comes natural to these three gentlemen and their fellow Mandilones, even if it means getting approval from the significant other first. 

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